tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369564432011-08-18T06:01:50.882-07:00Building Creative Kids (Who Think, Wonder, and Love to Learn!)Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.comBlogger1801100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-84064425742719956012010-04-30T04:45:00.000-07:002010-04-30T04:45:00.042-07:00

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know. “ ~Ernest HemingwayWhen I was pregnant with my first child, I did what many newly expectant mothers do: I kept a journal. I waxed of every kick and squirm, every decision we made in planning his birth, even about all those tomatoes I was craving. I managed to keep up with the journal for a few weeks

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-8413391892652918262010-04-26T16:02:00.000-07:002010-04-27T14:32:49.379-07:00

According to Urban Dictionary, "Laundry list" refers to a "list of characteristics or items that are generally considered to be mundane or distasteful. Items on the list tend to pile up, just like dirty laundry."We all have them, the things we don't really want to do. The dishes, the yard work, the taxes, the laundry. To face a past, confront creative blocks, or what we will (need to) do

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-12426018958129112692010-04-21T18:19:00.000-07:002010-04-21T18:30:38.621-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how very rarely I promote books and products? Have I mentioned how when I do, and even if I link to a book on a for-purchase site, I don't ever receive a kick back nor am part of any affiliate program. I just don't believe in it. I just want to share and don't believe that I one can honestly do so if I am being paid if someone buys it. Just sayin', that's all. Anyhow,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-78898894490896336192010-04-20T14:34:00.000-07:002010-04-20T14:48:19.943-07:00

Mealtime when you have a baby in the house is often thought of as work for mama. I consider it a break, a reason to just sit, admire my baby’s chubby little toes and cheeks, knowing that she is nourished fully and completely in the best way she can be. But I also consider it time to savor simplicity, to not multitask, to remind myself that every moment with my children, with myself, with my

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-70234675567280590642010-04-14T13:45:00.000-07:002010-04-14T13:53:07.068-07:00

We just love finding bird nests! We find them while hiking, driving, in parking structures, there's even one at the entrance to our favorite grocery store. Once a bird built a nest (and laid her eggs) on top of a spring wreath we had hanging on the door. But the best nest ever was the one built inside Grammy's house, on the fireplace, when the roof was being replaced. So we're especially

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-50299056189089939252010-03-19T07:00:00.000-07:002010-03-19T07:00:04.137-07:00

There’s something immensely special about old photos. I ran across this one yesterday and just had to share it. While I don’t ever remembering seeing this photo before, or having it taken, I know it was taken at Grassroots Garden (I’d know those dalhias anywhere), where our family volunteered for five years together. I’m so grateful for all the flowers we have planted, nurtured, smelled,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-62415163261475418622010-03-18T08:51:00.000-07:002010-03-18T08:51:00.309-07:00

I am sooo excited about the nearly completed manuscript for my next book, Thinking Outside the Recipe: Cooking Activities to Nurture and Nourish the Creative Child. It is filled with so many fun activities, recipes, and ideas, some of which Zeal and I have shared here. But now I want to share the just completed introduction letter with you, because I couldn’t feel stronger about the shared meal

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-3482063122142368112010-03-17T08:48:00.000-07:002010-03-17T08:48:00.234-07:00

I always feel so lucky to be able to speak and learn alongside parents and teachers. Nothing short of great enthusiasm and love for children is always clearly evident in a roomful of people who’ve come to learn about and explore creativity.I recently received a cd in the mail, sent to me from a person in the back of the room who took these photos during one of my workshops. What a gift! Thank

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-75365581315147933932010-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:002010-03-16T08:41:00.692-07:00

I am so pleased to be able to announce that I will soon be spending a bit of time working with students and parents and teachers and lovers of learning and creativity in the country of Kazakhstan! What a special treat for me and my whole family! With the promise of learning to play the dombra, Zeal is especially excited! We are busy learning about the country, its rich heritage, and all about

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-78991330124491504782010-03-15T07:37:00.000-07:002010-03-15T07:37:00.249-07:00

Oh, it appears spring has actually arrived. The crocuses are peeking their heads out of the ground, the sun is smiling down on us, and the snow is *almost* all gone. Even the birds are singing!But even though that outdoor water play seems ever closer, it isn't quite here yet. Still, there are many opportunities for water play that don't involve being outside in the cold. The Wonder of Water

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-11482605684616750322010-03-14T10:17:00.000-07:002010-03-14T11:32:32.665-07:00

As you may well know, I am a serious student of yoga. A friend sent me this photo, and I'm finding great truth and inspiration in it this morning, this moment. So I'd like to share it with you. I'm inspired by:The strength. The strength to hold and be held. As parents we often take on just one of the roles, that of the holder. But it takes a lot of strength to be held as well, to find the

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-36262420343896722582010-03-12T07:16:00.000-08:002010-03-12T07:19:28.766-08:00

There is a saying that goes: When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. So it goes with parenting, perhaps the greatest exercise in humility, patience, and love. Even the most competent and confident of people, in all walks of life, in all fields of work, find themselves challenged as never before once they add children to their lives. It is clear that most people who choose to have

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-52889188611567984412010-03-03T16:32:00.000-08:002010-03-03T16:43:19.987-08:00

Oh the joy of a simple deck of cards! Since we've been on the road, they have been one of Zeal's most faithful and trusted tools. He's built card houses, worked on his memory with games on concentration, given old favorites like "War" new life calling it "Roar" and saying one card eats the other (dinosaurs roar before they eat, you know), and practiced his share of magic tricks! Here we are

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-81006912664544327202010-03-02T13:11:00.001-08:002010-03-02T13:11:17.911-08:00

We're on the road (again), and found ourselves at the Reno Art Museum last week for an impromptu viewing of la Velata, Raphael's "Woman in the Veil". It was like our cherry on top as we have been all enraptured with talk of the Renaissance and a trip to Florence so we can do a bit of waltzing in Leonardo da Vinci's footsteps. Outside the museum, we played a bit while waiting our turn. Zeal made

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-89120821743257574302010-02-21T14:53:00.000-08:002010-02-21T14:53:00.183-08:00

Schools and the school setting as we know them today began during the Industrial Revolution. They were modeled after a Prussian system of educating the masses. Although not to the public, their stated mission was to create only one thing: factory workers. For the first time in American history, learning was changed. It was taken from the home environment and placed inside four walls. At that

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-21667747308992507392010-02-18T18:04:00.000-08:002010-02-18T18:04:00.795-08:00

Having children is like a magnifying glass. It is the catalyst for us to slow down, to enjoy the simple things in life. Suddenly, we find ourselves seeing the fluttering butterfly as we never did before. Growing our own gardens becomes a top priority, even if the weeds seem overwhelming. We suddenly become acutely aware of the air we breathe. But we still need stories and guides to reinforce

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-77533063562318801952010-02-17T13:03:00.001-08:002010-02-17T13:03:28.603-08:00

Dear Readers, As you may have heard, after some urging, I have created a Facebook Page for The Wonder Collection. Please go to the page and "Become a fan" and show your support. And, to celebrate, this week I am giving away an autographed copy of Child of Wonder. I hope you'll get in on the drawing!

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-43451390663861068182010-02-14T01:26:00.000-08:002010-02-14T01:26:00.064-08:00

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-63911534575072072352010-02-09T06:07:00.000-08:002010-02-09T06:07:00.376-08:00

In the mind or in the heart, on the front porch, in the margins of scratch paper, or even in shadows on the wall just after ‘lights out’. Where does creative thinking happen? All those places and more.In Byrd Baylor’s book The Table Where Rich People Sit, a family thinks together at the kitchen table. Mountain Girl, as she is called, has requested a meeting, and the subject is money. She

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-22662300259469648062010-02-04T13:20:00.000-08:002010-02-04T13:20:00.515-08:00

Make a Shadow Puppet Theatre1. Drape a sheet over a table or use wax paper to cover a hole in a large box.2. Trace and cut out desired figures using cardboard or heavy stock. 3. Tape a drinking straw or tongue depressor to the back of your puppets. Use a hole punch and brads if you want your puppets to have moveable parts. Add an extra straw to each moveable part. 4. Use a desk lamp or

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-26737527295265308652010-02-02T01:12:00.000-08:002010-02-02T01:12:00.250-08:00

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,And what can be the use of him is more than I can see....from My Shadow by Robert Louis StevensonWe just love a good shadow...The Wonder of Shadow PlayLegend has it that if on February 2nd, the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, the groundhog appears from his burrow and sees his shadow, we are in for another six weeks of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-58769452583837878572010-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:002010-02-01T13:56:00.788-08:00

I uncovered this piece in the dusty files as I was cleaning off my hard drive, and realized I'd never posted it here. So, in one sense, this is a walk down memory lane for me, but in another it could have very easily been written yesterday. I've also posted this to my Thinking Outside the Recipe blog, for obvious reasons, but I wanted to make sure it went here too because I often get questions

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-8633063067499005202010-01-29T07:16:00.000-08:002010-01-29T07:16:00.530-08:00

When we talk about rearing children who live a creative life, one filled with thinking skills, problem solving, and self-expression that almost always includes lives filled with models of creativity. Those models come in all shapes, sizes and forms, not the least of which is the model of a great book. When choosing and reading good books, help your child “think outside the box” by considering

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-17483861103282309162010-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:002010-01-30T11:09:37.747-08:00

I have shared this poem many a time in a workshop, but it seems that it is high time I share it once again,this time in this space. ***Editing to say this poem was NOT written by Anonymous as I have always thought. This inspiring piece was penned by Oriah Mountain Dreamer , and appears in Dreams of Desire. Thank you to the readers who emailed and commented to let me know. I am so excited to

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-6262350335703076312010-01-20T01:56:00.000-08:002010-01-20T01:56:00.652-08:00

Hello Dear Readers! This year, I am working on a new, revised edition of my book Child of Wonder. One of the additions to the book will be a chapter on Encouraging and Working with Special Needs Children. As you know, I like to include stories from real, creative families in each chapter. If you have a special needs child, please send me any anecdotes, tips, or questions you might have about

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-64906611830371541472010-01-18T00:51:00.000-08:002010-01-18T00:51:00.615-08:00

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-382275559962073392010-01-13T12:37:00.000-08:002010-01-13T13:38:22.867-08:00

Do you know that feeling when you are in the shower and you reach down to pick up the soap, and it just slips out of your fingers? So you try again, this time using both hands, and plop!...there goes the soap flying across the shower floor. And on and on, until finally you grasp the little sucker with your finger nails so it can’t get away. It will do its job for you. When it is done doing

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-20915491303444732552010-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:002010-01-11T08:24:00.315-08:00

Looking for an alternative to the tired old coloring book? You might have seen the Anti-Coloring books series in the past, and those were certainly revolutionary addition to the coloring book world when they came out, but these new Doodle books might just be the next step. The titles currently in print are Do You Doodle?, The Boys Doodle Book, The Girls Doodle Book, and during the Holiday season

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-47750436829790595652010-01-08T15:42:00.000-08:002010-01-08T15:44:04.997-08:00

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret MeadWe live in a unique time in history. It is one rich with strife and angst, but also opportunity, joy, and creativity. It is what we choose to focus on and nurture that will carry our children through their lives. It is in the act of building and

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-38626887824664555712010-01-08T15:24:00.000-08:002010-01-08T15:40:29.937-08:00

Today we were out in the snow having a picnic and just loving winter. We weren't expecting to be in a place with so much snow, but here we are and we couldn't feel we are in a more right place. Here's a little piece I wrote for the Savvy Source recently:Welcoming WinterDecember 21st , the first day of winter, is the shortest day of the year. It marks the return of the light leading towards

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-26327801760052266572009-06-02T15:47:00.000-07:002009-06-02T15:53:14.776-07:00

It began just after my son's fourth birthday. His best young friend was over for a playdate. As soon as she walked in the door, they both conferred and then chimed, "Can we watch a movie?" I was disappointed that was what they wanted to do together. I wanted them to talk and laugh and create together. I wanted them to make up stories, use all of their senses, and engage in that realm of true

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-89774300778200410102009-05-05T10:31:00.000-07:002009-05-05T10:34:13.474-07:00

Cooking with a child is another wonderful way to connect: with each other, the world, and our unique creative selves. It allows us to explore natural materials, mimic real scientists, and learn ways to approach future problems. As children play with recipes and ingredients, they ask questions and make discoveries that will lead to a greater understanding of their world. So with an eye towards

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-47570688324327400012009-05-03T11:03:00.000-07:002009-05-03T11:20:29.093-07:00

from the May issue of Wonderwise:Happy May Day! I hope this finds you beginning to gather the flowers and sharing them with each other. We're lucky to have loads of camas popping up in our yard (and our share of dandelions, too, much to the delight of Zeal) and all the fun and joy that comes from new growth and spring blooming that happens to a child's mind and body too. This month, I started

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-475040753209233762009-04-06T21:52:00.000-07:002009-04-06T22:14:14.088-07:00

“As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” ~ Henry David ThoreauZeal ran across this new "whimsical kit to make your dreams come true" and has been off and running

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-34901345969175645072009-03-30T13:08:00.000-07:002009-03-30T15:18:12.529-07:00

For those of you who subscribe to Wonderwise, you already know this exciting news. For everyone else, here's the scoop:Our family will soon be making a move, physically and professionally, that we are so pleased and honored to be a part of. Together, my husband and I will serve as the new Co-Directors of Education for a United Nations-affiliated NGO (non-government organization)/ Humanitarian

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-68859055688566034212009-03-29T08:36:00.000-07:002009-03-29T08:47:23.543-07:00

It was a successful Cabin Night/ Earth Hour last night! We gathered with friends, ate treats in celebration of three month old Anjali, played games, made music, sang songs, and talked with each other by candlelight. The favortie game of the evening turned out to be "Telephone". When we finally went our last round, the message was:"Congratulations everyone and Happy Earth Hour!" (which really

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-91580104938362590592009-03-28T19:16:00.000-07:002009-03-28T19:20:35.962-07:00

From the latest issue of Wonderwise:Dear Friends in Discovery!Happy Spring! It is such a wondrous delight to welcome back the sun even more with the arrival of spring! The longer days are becoming more and more evident and with the appearance of a few more birds and buds on the trees, I am continually reminded of the wonder that we are striving for in our lives. As we do every year at this time,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-4257925259061769312009-03-27T15:27:00.000-07:002009-03-27T15:40:16.303-07:00

I just love what spring does to the soul! As spring entered our little lives last week, we all sat down together and made our Equinox goals, a ritual we do every year. The one goal we all had in common was to focus on a dedicated studio space (something we gave up for other things that are many numbered). So, with an eye towards that, and even though the space has yet to materialize, art is

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-47571688297386114922009-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:002009-03-19T09:32:19.545-07:00

If you like music too, check out this feature on The Savvy Source today:Exploring the Creative Potential of Musicexcerpted from Child of WonderThere is a whoosh-whoosh rhythm in the womb, a mother’s heartbeat in perfect time: nature’s drum. With the sense of touch, this internal drumming can be felt at just a few weeks gestation. Then, at ten weeks, hearing develops and the ssh! of Mama’s blood

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-45301506030173161622009-03-18T09:03:00.000-07:002009-03-18T10:30:26.220-07:00

SO, I mentioned earlier that we like to set leprechaun traps for St. Paddy's Day. This year was no exception. Only Zeal took a good deal of time deciding how it was going to be. He pulled out all types of materials. I thought he was going to settle on some type of pulley system or some other simple machine to do the work.Zeal is surely a fan of anything lego. And so he was inspired by this

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-30437302170782522922009-03-17T22:01:00.000-07:002009-03-18T08:36:41.387-07:00

Do you know about Chris Raschka? Author, illustrator, lover of music and rhythm of words extraordinaire! We love him! His work is so simple, yet so complex. So beautiful and so full of creative life! As a youngin' Zeal completely fell in love with Charlie Parker Played Be Bop. Now, even at an age beyond what is "recommended" by the publisher (yay!) he is entranced by an even earlier work of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-58510108471803700812009-03-09T08:45:00.000-07:002009-03-09T08:45:00.444-07:00

Every year around this time we break out the supplies to see if we might be lucky enough to catch a leprechaun. Whether you are at home or in a school situation, "building a better leprechaun trap" is a fun, creative way to get in the mood for leprechaun season while building thinking skills. Set your traps (the day before St. Paddy's Day), and perhaps you'll wake up to a little fellow who will

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-55051407707385420432009-03-08T08:42:00.000-07:002009-03-08T08:44:05.636-07:00

You probably know by now how much I just love wordless picture books! They offer such a wonderful way for kids to experience story through the visual. Well, there's a new very special one on the market. It's called "Wave" and is brought to us by the amazing Suzy Lee, illustrator of many wondrous titles. The inside flap reads:"A sunny day. A curious little girl. A playful wave." We picked up "

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-79972980117875177192009-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:002009-03-03T18:21:26.346-08:00

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-47444286594625473802009-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:002009-02-21T13:58:19.199-08:00

Things have been picking up speed around here. We've got lots of exciting projects to tell you about (I'm just working on getting the photos off my camera whilst searching for the missing cord). But for now, check out this piece about real and creative math I wrote that is now featured on The Savvy Source. Real (and Creative) Math for PreschoolersIf ever there was an all around creativity,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-59848788988458851252009-02-11T20:23:00.000-08:002009-02-11T20:28:06.036-08:00

Many of you know about our family's Cabin Nights, a time for us to come together away from media, distractions of the day, and even electricity. We simply love these nights for what they give us creatively: togetherness, songs in the dark, candlelit dinner-picnics, stories, and an exploration in to the expression of our deepest souls. Now there's another reason to hold a Cabin Night of your own

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-56710766533346603412009-01-30T09:31:00.000-08:002009-01-30T09:35:13.167-08:00

A new review of research by Dmitri Christakis, MD, provides still more support for the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of no screen time for children under two. In the January issue of Acta Pediatrica, Dr. Christakis concludes that, "No studies to date have demonstrated benefits associated with early infant TV viewing" and the "preponderance of existing evidence suggests the

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-74181292219751241792009-01-27T10:05:00.000-08:002009-01-27T10:50:57.446-08:00

Quote of the day: "Mom, I'm going into hyperspeed!" And the other one is slowing waaaaay down, as she curls up in one of the many slings I've been gifted this time around and just makes those fabulous baby oohs, while her mama is caught in the middle - between sleepy breathy oohs and hyperspeed, trying to keep up with the piles around me. Piles of laundry, piles of email, piles of diapers, piles

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-59832465777948213862009-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:002009-01-19T13:14:45.643-08:00

Here's a little piece about goal setting and daring to dream featured on The Savvy Source this weekend. Enjoy!Just as we may set goals for ourselves, guiding our children in goal setting is valuable to their own creative development. Studies show that children (and adults) who define their own goals and reflect on their struggles and accomplishments are more likely to have success with what they

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-56855713120910459542009-01-18T12:05:00.000-08:002009-01-18T17:58:16.698-08:00

Thank you to everyone who have sent their well-wishes and love to us. We have been overwhelmed by the love and emails and all sorts of other birth welcomings we have received since the joyful birth of our daughter Anjali. Here she is on day 13, aware and already so full of wonder:Things around here have been teetering between blissful and quiet and then somewhat chaotic since her birth three

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-50111771820798717622009-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:002009-01-05T19:59:11.690-08:00

Aah, the holiday season! It brings out a spirit that for many people means a deep connection with friends and family. It provides us an opportunity to nurture family love in a way that perhaps no other time of year does. It gives us a time and space for being reminded of the many rituals we might hold dear. But often, we can let those special times be clouded by the hurried feel and

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-77153610147579606032008-12-29T03:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T03:45:08.280-08:00

Just a quick message that our baby girl was born this afternoon, December 28th, at 4:46PM after an hour and 45 minutes of labor. She entered the world swiftly and gently, into Daddy's loving hands. She's incredibly healthy, nursing strongly, and happy to be loved up by her big brother Zeal who thinks she has the softest skin to ever exist.Here's my two little loves snuggling up together:

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-66028620063640184322008-12-24T23:13:00.000-08:002008-12-25T19:22:02.696-08:00

From our family to yours this holiday season! May you have plentiful amounts of wonder, love, laughter, and trees to climb in the coming year! P.S. Baby is keeping us patient. Please check back for updates :)

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-10730004414838779302008-12-17T04:02:00.001-08:002008-12-17T04:14:47.997-08:00

We've been so lucky (at least some of us think so) to be playing in the snow the last few days. Yesterday, we took a family walk out in the stuff that ended up lasting seven hours. Of course, there were a few stops for hot chocolate along the way, a duck into the library to warm ourselves a bit, and a good hot Indian lunch to keep us going on the journey. But for the most part, we were outside

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-46283400071559287652008-12-16T04:43:00.000-08:002008-12-16T04:49:43.678-08:00

From the December news from Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood:The reviews are in: CCFC's Holiday Guide is a smash hit."A fabulous holiday guide to help you and your family reclaim the holidays" -- Patricia Mayville-Cox, Green Daily. "CCFC's practical tips for reducing commercialism in family celebrations this holiday season are particularly welcome." - Peter Rothberg, The Nation."A

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-56036177208987447712008-12-11T05:55:00.000-08:002008-12-11T05:55:00.335-08:00

Looking for a bit of holiday inspiration? The Savvy Source has created a holiday guide covering all things holiday, including this little piece by me...Giving ExperiencesSteam escapes from the open mouth of the engine's stack as we pull away from the station. Chugga-chugga-puff-puff is all we can hear as my son's nose is pressed against the glass with the force of gale wind. With every ounce of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-52098690365582129832008-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:002008-12-11T14:13:38.806-08:00

Wanting to do something to commemorate this belly of mine and the coming babe of ours (but also wanting whatever that was to be something other than just a photo and more practical than a belly cast), I sat while the sculptor worked his magic. Now waiting for it to dry before bisque firing, glazing, and then firing again, we are all looking forward to having a new large bowl that will always be

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-59899017222417038672008-12-07T20:14:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:59:32.493-08:00

Because I just love recommending books...Owl Moon by Jane Yolen"A girl and her father go owling on a moonlit winter night near the farm where they live. Bundled tight in wool clothes, they trudge through snow ``whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl''; here and there, hidden in ink-blue shadows, a fox, raccoon, fieldmouse and deer watch them pass. An air of expectancy builds as Pa imitates the

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-54677565423775631522008-11-29T07:48:00.001-08:002008-11-29T07:55:35.354-08:00

We've been so busy lately doing our part in the world to make the bulk of our holiday gifts this year. It's so crazy how this time of year just kind of takes over and there hardly seems time to breathe it all in sometimes. Still, we are finding the calm in the madness by staying home as much as we can, focusing on the simple things that make us happy, and revisiting rituals that connect us as a

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-34866509343431253502008-11-21T04:26:00.000-08:002008-11-21T08:21:11.297-08:00

Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment (TRUCE) is a national group of educators deeply concerned about how children's entertainment and toys are affecting the play and behavior of children in our classrooms. Every year TRUCE puts out a toy guide during the holiday season to help parents navigate the craziness that can be children's toys. You can find the 2008/09 TRUCE Action Guide

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-7860726962869566132008-11-20T19:40:00.000-08:002008-11-20T19:40:11.283-08:00

This time of year we usually find ourselves heavily steeped papiér-maché (Zeal has always wanted a homemade piñata at his birthday party. This year when I mentioned it, he said emphatically, "No! No piñata!" And for a moment, I was sad that our ritualized-over-the-years piñata making would not be happening. Luckily, his Halloween costume (The half-bull/half-man Minotaur) plans included the need

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-60602669133007513472008-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:002008-11-18T04:00:00.081-08:00

photo: Amanda Smith, Register-GuardThe leaves have been a tremendous source of play around here lately. With the weather "cooperating", Zeal determinedly saved the leaves even when all the neighbors had theirs raked and ready for pickup by the city over a week ago. And why not save them? They are just so much fun to explore with. Here we are doing what we love to do best with the leaves:

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-72161220608483224172008-11-17T01:28:00.001-08:002008-11-17T09:08:21.042-08:00

When we talk about rearing children who live a creative life, one filled with thinking skills, problem solving, and self-expression that almost always includes lives filled with models of creativity. Those models come in all shapes, sizes and forms, not the least of which is the model of a great book. Read more...

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-85697097065148892852008-11-14T18:42:00.001-08:002008-11-14T18:48:54.688-08:00

Last night was great fun! I so enjoyed talking with everyone about Consuming Kids, and although it's rather depressing, there are so many things for us to do once we have the background and understanding about this billion dollar industry of marketing to children. One of the highlights for me last night was the viewing of Annie Leonard's The Story of Stuff. Here's a bit about the film:The

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-9341441525192906622008-11-11T05:57:00.001-08:002008-11-11T06:05:52.604-08:00

Just a reminder that the first public premiere and viewing nationwide of the new film Consuming Kids is this coming Thursday, November 13th at 7PM at the Grand Theatre at 191 High Street NE in Salem, Oregon. Doors open at 6:15. The viewing and discussion following the film is sponsored by the Salem Progressive Film Series. It will also include a short documentary called the Story of Stuff.

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-89221437406910361582008-11-03T16:15:00.001-08:002008-11-03T21:19:02.594-08:00

What we think of all these leaves and buckets of rain falling down all around us:they're just totally...The collection of rain, the experiments, and all that puddle jumping, (followed by a good warm bath) has officially begun! He's in heaven!

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-66637522110799185112008-11-02T11:52:00.000-08:002008-11-02T11:55:52.174-08:00

From the opening of this month's issue of Wonderwise. Hello Wonderers and Happy November!Well, this last week began the season... the season of jumping from holiday to holiday. Between Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, a few family birthdays, the Harvest, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Christmas and New Year celebrations we usually take part in, things are certainly picking up speed around here.

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-43457152068991281872008-10-27T07:26:00.000-07:002008-10-27T11:06:59.165-07:00

Years ago, I was offered this "Tapestree Table" and just couldn't refuse. Zeal has used it off and on, sewing nature treasures into it, signing his name, using it as a "guest book" for his room, and just generally enjoying bringing the needle back and forth through the cloth and creating a work of art while developing fine motor skills. We hadn't seen it for a while, but with the change of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-43840620780294388202008-10-15T09:33:00.001-07:002008-10-15T11:49:05.359-07:00

I had the distinct pleasure of a recent interview with Rae Pica, host of BAM! radio. You can download or listen to it here.In the meantime, I hope this fall finds you climbing all sort of haystacks with a curious mind.

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-74628230655144616992008-10-06T14:26:00.000-07:002008-10-06T14:31:49.827-07:00

This week is one of those busy ones. We're getting ready for colder weather (details coming soon) and I am looking forward to this fun, informative, and thought-provoking speaking engagement and workshop I will be leading in Portland, Oregon this weekend at The Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL), and The Washington Library Media Association (WLMA) Joint Conference 2008. If you're a

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-83818669827448381402008-10-02T15:10:00.000-07:002008-10-02T22:51:38.765-07:00

For a boy who has had a history of getting engrossed in sand play, has been forever fascinated by anyone who works with cement, sand or gravel, and has a most recent fascination with the art, science, and play of Ancient Egypt, working out a recipe that we could simulate stone blocks with has been a major coup! Above is the recent game Zeal made with this sand clay, a coiled up snake waiting to

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-86629684993995524512008-10-01T04:02:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:50:54.815-07:00

Here is the introduction of this month's issue of Wonderwise. If you are interested in signing up, please do so at the right of this page. Dear Friends in Discovery!Welcome to fall and the October edition of Wonderwise! I can't believe fall and October are already here. My mom always told me every year how the years seemed to be going by faster and faster as each one passed. I never believed

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-65985634601617826782008-09-30T08:35:00.000-07:002008-09-30T08:41:08.440-07:00

"Although there are many anecdotal stories of breakthroughs resulting from daydreams - Einstein, for instance, was notorious for his wandering mind - daydreaming itself is usually cast in a negative light. Children in school are encouraged to stop daydreaming and "focus," and wandering minds are often cited as a leading cause of traffic accidents. In a culture obsessed with efficiency,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-91898910811152294452008-09-29T15:08:00.001-07:002008-09-29T16:38:10.184-07:00

Wild Child by Lynne Plourde and Illustrated by Greg CouchThis amazing poem of Mother Earth putting her child (Autumn) to bed is a continued favorite around here! In years past, I have pulled this book out near the end of fall to welcome Winter (the child who awakens just as Autumn finally dozes off to sleep), but since this story is so much a part of the fabric of our lives, it has made its

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-42124807288675773892008-09-28T18:56:00.000-07:002008-09-28T19:12:38.688-07:00

I'm so very excited about the upcoming release of the documentary "Consuming Kids", put out by the Media Education Foundation. Here's the trailer (caution: some of the images are disturbing):I've been lucky enough to have met and talked and listened and learned with/to/from many of the people featured in the film and am so glad to see the film finally making its way to the public. And if you

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-88537803698401296522008-09-25T14:14:00.000-07:002008-09-25T14:22:34.771-07:00

Paper ExplorationsIt’s that time of year again; we turn a little more inward and move our activities a bit more indoors. For many kids, school is back in session and often our learning tools look more like paper and pencils than the previous month’s water and lemonade stands. And with that, our opportunities for exploring and encouraging creativity still abound. Paper is an everyday part of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-53938354292653112522008-09-17T12:36:00.000-07:002008-09-17T14:52:42.087-07:00

We're soaking up the last few bits of sun, for while I am approaching each day as though this sun is always here and it is always warm (the way I wish it could be sometimes), I am very aware that I am in the Pacific Northwest and the rains will come soon. Of course, that will mean my own built in watering system, lots of puddles to jump in, a house filled with warmth and the scents of fall time

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-41834875560665805412008-09-13T15:11:00.000-07:002008-09-13T15:27:33.416-07:00

My Top Ten List - Excerpted from an interview over at First impressions. A home that encourages creative thinking and expression would include:1. At least one adult (preferably more) who engages the child with thoughtful interaction and also models wondering about the world and a desire to learn.2. An understanding of the child’s unique ways of learning.3. Easy access to a variety of materials

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-80320616257552841652008-09-07T12:34:00.000-07:002008-09-07T12:47:29.223-07:00

Zeal loves to both weave and experiment with what floats and sinks. So what better combination than playing with water plants? Here's his few cattail boats that are still enjoying themselves in our kitchen sink and bathtub. Such fun!Can you tell which one was only able to float on its side?

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-33992327799697505762008-09-04T06:21:00.000-07:002008-09-04T06:21:00.929-07:00

Dear Friends,I'll begin by offering an apology for this issue of Wonderwise being a tad bit late - I spent the Labor Day weekend in bed with a mysterious and out-of the-blue illness, but am rearing to go again now. I have to admit: September is always the hardest month for me to get a newsletter out to you. And, as some of you long time readers know, I have been known to actually skip it

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-20846405277559116462008-09-03T10:09:00.000-07:002008-09-03T11:05:49.957-07:00

Here's Zeal's new favorite reading spot: legs over the arm of the couch, surrounded by pillows, with Bionicles lurking nearby and the doggy's listening in. Jammies are a must!A love of reading never just happens, but when it can be done in the most comfortable of spaces it is certainly encouraged!

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-49600151852557697422008-09-02T21:06:00.000-07:002008-09-02T22:02:40.658-07:00

Kitchen and science "experiments" around here often lead us back to our favorite two ingredients to just play with: baking soda and vinegar! It seems these are the kinds of things that often show up in science fairs and a few classrooms. Around here, they might as well be considered everyday objects. The ways in which Zeal likes to play with these two wonderful ingredients are more varied than

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-38756398932753145682008-09-02T12:18:00.000-07:002008-09-02T12:30:20.336-07:00

We know that children are now marketed to like never before. As well, they are inundated with marketing and fast paced imagery and spend more time with media than ever before. It has also been proven that children before the age of 8 (and sometimes 10) cannot distinguish between media-related fantasy and reality. That said, popular culture can be creative, but we need quiet spaces for creativity

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-79441320980245571122008-08-29T12:13:00.000-07:002008-08-29T13:49:51.913-07:00

A woman came up to me in town today and said, "I've been reading your book! My kids are so imaginative... I just need to remind myself to get out their way."So wise. It's so very easy to over guide, over stimulate, and over schedule our children right out of their creativity. And sometimes we find that when we just step aside and listen from the next room, let them solve some of their own

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-82893268732172611302008-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:002008-08-28T08:00:03.416-07:00

In going through photo albums this week for another project I am working on, I came across this old picture of my older sister, me (the middle one), and a friend playing in the water on the beach at Lake Tahoe (where I grew up). It brought back a flood of memories of playing at the beach and in the water (mostly the shower and the sink) when I was a child, and brought a huge smile (and I admit,

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-83669132072519714512008-08-26T06:09:00.000-07:002008-08-26T06:09:01.127-07:00

If you haven't already discovered the precious book review site called Kids Literati, you must check it out. In their own words:"Kids Literati is a book blog about the best in children's literature. Book reviews for the most discerning kids, parents, and educators. Classics, fiction, non-fiction, fairytales, and popular favorites - we read everything worth reading."When you go to the site, click

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-78912948226721393842008-08-25T21:15:00.000-07:002008-08-25T22:06:35.474-07:00

We're back from a few days camping with fellow scouts, followed by a trip to the White Wolf Sanctuary in Tidewater, Oregon. We're dazed and amazed by the lasting effect the visit had on our family, and how mesmerizing an encounter with a wild animal can be. In this case, all of these Arctic wolves were rescued from various traumatic or abusive situations and now reside happily here, on forty

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-67683588251050523192008-08-24T10:48:00.000-07:002008-08-25T22:07:11.393-07:00

Zeal has spent the week climbing all sorts of walls, indoors and out. How wonderful to see a child "touch the top" of whatever it is they are working towards. In this case, as I've mentioned before, I feel that climbing all sorts of things is a pretty valuable skill towards creative development. Now, we’re off to run with the wolves. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-78925620699107838902008-08-22T05:54:00.000-07:002008-08-22T05:54:00.675-07:00

“Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.”~ Zeal’s fortune cookie, 08/21/08

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-89154862750287031322008-08-21T05:07:00.000-07:002008-08-21T05:07:00.425-07:00

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-72624322763698453562008-08-20T05:06:00.000-07:002008-08-20T08:28:11.700-07:00

I'm feeling creatively inspired by the world right now, and here's a small list of things that are lighting my fire. At the end of this post, please do share what you love and the things that feed you and your family creatively. Long Drives. When I was a child, Sunday afternoons were reserved for a family drive, usually to nowhere interesting to us kids. I’ll never forget the time our fuel

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-848476216524139132008-08-19T12:32:00.000-07:002008-08-19T13:10:43.227-07:00

Imaginary worlds are a true wonder! I love hearing about the different lands children create while they play, alone or with friends. Often, children who create and play in them are in touch with their creativity in ways adults can no longer imagine. What we know about this kind of imaginary play is this: Children who engage in imaginary play involving imaginary friends or worlds…• use abstract

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-90438854934159263012008-08-18T13:12:00.000-07:002008-08-18T19:37:24.500-07:00

Going to Civilizania 2008, by Ginger Carlson (with input from Sir Zeal, a frequenter of Civilizania)There’s a place I go to sometimes when I just don’t feel like everything feels so good. This crazy world, I hear the grownups say. But I know a special place where things don’t have to be so crazy. I call it Civilizania. And you can go there too.Noone is ever just born in Civilizania, they

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-85227302754056952322008-08-17T09:42:00.000-07:002008-08-17T09:45:21.890-07:00

1. Read aloud daily.2. Take books with you everywhere you go. Travel to the store, park, ocean, church, with books in a basket, just in case.3. Find a cozy place to read in your home.4. Check out books on tape from the library.5. Read signs and other environmental print together as much as possible. 6. Tell stories as a family. 7. Tape record your child telling stories.8. Read songs, poems and

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-52555348876917921182008-08-16T09:56:00.000-07:002008-08-16T11:56:04.021-07:00

As you might have guessed if you've read much of this blog, we don't spend a whole lot of time in front of the television. In fact, we don't own one, but Daddy being a film history scholar, we do rent and watch film. In the past several months, Zeal has been enjoying many of the old silent era films (that should probably be its very own post), but most recently he's be enthralled by the work of

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-30175169437682121972008-08-15T23:17:00.001-07:002008-08-16T10:03:15.175-07:00

Please pardon the wrinkles around the edges as I work to give The Wondershop a bit of a facelift. If there is something you would like to see here, now's your chance to speak up and let your creative desires be heard. Is there something you'd like to see here? Please use the contact tab above to let me know your thoughts! In the meantime, Happy Wondering!

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-47865851777175303952008-08-15T22:33:00.000-07:002008-08-15T22:49:44.261-07:00

Our trips have been plentiful this summer; we're all grateful for that. Now, with a bit of quiet time, I am settling after being away for a bit, going through pictures, and reflecting on the trip. As we began this most recent trip, this time by plane, we wandered into a cute little airport eatery. It was not your typical airport eatery filled with overpriced, bad food, but instead was decently

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-46020658909422908642008-08-15T21:22:00.000-07:002008-08-16T10:04:05.727-07:00

As you may know, I am huge fan of Byrd Baylor's many titles. I love beginning our day (and often my workshops) with her book The Way to Start a Day, but I think Zeal's very favorite is I'm in Charge of Celebrations. He loves "Dust Devil Day" and "Coyote Day" and loves making up his own celebrations. Well, today I'M in charge of celebrations and I deem today my official "Quiet Day" and boy am

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-84445674812681436002008-08-13T21:10:00.000-07:002008-08-13T21:18:59.709-07:00

Now that we’re back from our series of little vacations, we’re happily settling in and looking towards our final quarter of the year, a time we usually make quite a few goals for ourselves, individually and as a family. Of course, we always have goals (all of us) that have to do with what we’re reading. So here’s a little piece about teaching kids to self-select their reading material. No

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36956443.post-65129121732062040352008-08-12T00:26:00.000-07:002008-08-16T11:51:57.739-07:00

We've spent the last few days on vacation, another precious few days with the cousins and Grammy. On the way here, we read this book: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basis E. Frankweiler, a book I hadn't read in a long while. Zeal loved it! As we got to the end of the book, we came across this passage (don't worry, it won't spoil the book or tell of the storyline at all):"The adventure is

Ginger Carlson, authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14077913955520939528noreply@blogger.com0